Printing apparatus



July 16, 1940.' M. REYNOLDS ET AL PRINTING APPARATUS Filed June 9, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 16, 1940. M. REYNOLDS Er A1.

PRINTING APPARATUS Filed June 9, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- PRINTING APPARATUS Milton Reynolds and Harold G. Barrett, Chicago, Ill.; said Barrett assigner to said Reynolds Application June 9, 1938, Serial No. 212,787

(Cl. 19V-2) 13 Claims.

' The present invention relates generally to printing apparatus. More particularly the invention relates to that type of printing apparatus which is designed to print sheets of paper 'or paper board to form signs or advertising placards and comprises as its main parts a housing with a sheet supporting member on the top thereof, a type unit above the sheet supporting member, a pluralityof vertically movable keys for actuating the type unit so as to cause it to effect impressions on thesheet in response to downward movement of the keys, a sheet retaining bar on the supporting member, and mechanism for automatically and longitudinally shifting the l5 sheet retaining bar in a step-by-step manner for sheet feeding purposes in connection with actuation or operation of the keys.

One object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus of this type which is an improvement upon, and has certain advantages over, previously designed apparatus of the same general character and, in a'ddition, is more com-- pact and embodies fewer operating parts.

Another object of the invention vis to provide a printing apparatus of the type under consid- [eration in which the type unit comprises `a pair of laterally spaced rotary type wheels which are mounted on the forward end of a vertically swinging arm' over the sheet supporting member and are adapted ,to be tilted laterally in order to bring one or the other wheel into a printing position over a subjacent sheet on the member.

Another object of the invention is. to provide a printing apparatus of the last mentioned type andl character which includes novel and simple mechanism whereby in response to initial downward movement of any onev of the keys the operative type wheel is rotated to the proper extent to bring the type corresponding to the key letter or number into a printing position over the sheet toufurther downward movment'of the key the arm and wheels are swung downwards in order to causetheproper or selected type on the operative wheel to make an impression on the sheet.

A further object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus of the ,aforementioned character in which the mechanism for automati. cally and longitudinally shifting the sheet reon'the sheet supporting member and in response a distance which corresponds in width to the width of the selected type letter, number lor character.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus which is generally g; of new and improved construction and may be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present printing apparatus will be apparent from a 10 consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof. v

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several' views:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of a printing apparatus embodying the invention and illustrating in detail the construction and design of the mechanism whereby in response to initial downward movement of any one of-the keys, the operative type wheel is rotated to the proper extent to bring the type corresponding to the key letter or number into a printing position over the sheet and in response to further downward movement of the key the 30 arm and wheel are swung downwards -in order to cause the bottom type on the operative wheel, that is, the selected or proper type to make an impression on the subjacent s heet;

' Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view vtaken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 and further 'detail the one-way clutch which is slidably mounted on the sheet retaining bar and constitutes o ne of the operating parts of the automatic step-by-step feed mechanism for the bar;

Figure 5 is asectional view taken on -the line 5 5 of Figure 4:

Figure '6 isv a` perspective of. the yhousing part of the one-way' clutch of the aforementione automatic mechanisms and iso7 Figure 'I is a perspective of the dog or movable l part of the clutch.

The printing mechanism which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred embodiment of the invention. in printing sheets of paper o-r cardboard to form signs or advertising placards and comprehends as its main parts a housing 8, a sheet 'supporting member 9 on top' of the housing, a type unit I0, a plurality of keys II, and a sheet retaining bar I2. In addition to these parts the apparatus comprises mechanism for actuating the type unit in response to downward movement of the keys and also mechanism for automatically shifting the bar I2 longitudinally before each printing operation forsheet feeding purposes.

The housing 8 is preferably in the form of a metal casting. It serves as a frame structure for the mechanism and comprises a top I3, a pair of sides I4, a back I5, and a front (not shown). The top I3 of the housing is flat and rectangular and forms a base for the sheet supporting member 9. It extends between and is joined to the upper margin of the back I5 and the rear portions of the upper margins of the sides III and terminates at the front thereof in a downwardly extending ange I6. The latter" is disposed inwardly of the front ends of the sides and carries a bumper equipped stop bar .I1 for the keys II. The sides I4 of the housing are held in laterally spaced relation by the top I3 and the back I5 and have tapered front ends which project beyond the flange I6 and are adapted to accommodate the keys II therebetween when the keys are depressed in connection with operation of the apparatus. In addition to the top, sides, back and front the housing 8 comprises a hollow arm I8. This arm overhangs the rear portion of the sheet supporting member 9 and has a transversely elongated vertically extending rear part I9 and a forwardly extending horizontally positioned front part 20. The rear part overlies and extends upwardly from the rear portion of the housing top I3 and serves to hold the front part 20 a small distance above the sheet supporting member 9. Said front part 28 serves as -a housing for the type unit I and is positioned midway between the sides III of the housing 8. At its front and rear or lower corners the housing is provided with hemispherical feet 2I of rubber or like resilient material. These feet are adapted to rest on the supporting surface on which they apparatus is placed.

The member 9 serves as a support for the sheet to be printed. It is rectangular and comprises a top 22, a pair of sides 23, a back 2d, and a front 25. The top is flat and serves as a platen for the sheet to be printed. It is disposed over the front portion of the housing top I3 and is spaced a small distance above the latter by means of the sides, back and front of the member 9. Said sides, back and front of the member are equal in height and have inturned bottom flanges 26 which rest on the top face of, and are suitably secured to, the top face of the housing top I3. The back 24 of the member 9 ab'uts against the front lower portion of the rear part I9 of the hollow arm I8 and the front 25 is disposed slightly inwardly of the flange I6 along the front margin of the housing top I3.

'I'he type unit I0 consists of a pair of type wheels 21 and 28 and is encased or housed by the front part 20 of the hollow arm I8, as hereinbefore described. These two wheels are arranged in side-by-side relation and are adapted to be It is designed\for usel aannam rotated by the keys in order to bring the proper or desired type into a printing position over the central portion of the top 22 of the sheet supporting member 9. The wheel 21 embodies a hub 29 and a rim 30. The rim is frusto-conical and carries upper case type 3| on its outer periphery. The type wheel 28 comprises a hub 32 and a frusto-conical rim 33 and is the same in size as the wheel 21. The rim 33 is provided on its outer periphery with lower case type 36. The latter are arranged in an annular series `and are adapted in response to rotation of the wheel 28 to be brought into a printing position with respect to the sheet to be printed. The two wheels 21 and 28 extend around a shaft 35 which is journaled at the ends thereof in a pair of bear"` ing blocks 33. The latter are carried by a fork 31 at the distal end of a longitudinally'extending vertically swinging arm 38. This arm is disposed in and extends longitudinally through the front part 20 of the hollow arm I8 and has a f ork 39 at its proximal end. 'I'he latter is formed-as an integral part of the arm and consistsof a cross-piece 40 and a pair of side pieces III. @The side pieces embody aligned holes 42 through which a horizontally extending shaft 43 extends. 'Ihis shaft is disposed in the-rear part I9 of the hollow arm I8 and is journaled at its ends in a pair of bearing brackets 44. The holes 42are of slightly greater diameter than the shaft 93 and hence the arm 38 together with the two type wheels 21 and 38 is free to swing vertically. The fork 39 is disposed midway between the ends of the shaft 43 and is held against axial displacement by means of a pair of brackets 45 which are xed to and extend upwardly from the top I3 of the housing 8 and are arrranged in lapped relation with the outer faces of the side pieces QI of the fork 39 at the proximal endI of the arm 38. The bearing: bracketsM are vertically elongated and 'project downwardly through holes 46 in the rear corner portions of the housing top I3. The arm 38 is tubular and 'forms a journal for a shaft 91. This shaft extends longitudinally through the arm and is of such length that the ends thereof project beyond the arm ends. 'I'he fork 31 at the distal end of the arm 38 comprises a cross piece 59 and a pair o-f side pieces 49 and projects in the direction of the front of the housing 8. The side pieces 49 are disposed in lapped relation with the type wheels 21 and 28 and have at the outer ends thereof U- shaped sockets 50 in which. bearing blocks 36 are secured by way of plates I and bolts 52. The cross piece 48 of the fork 31 has a central hole 53 through which the front end of the shaft 61 extends. This holey 53 is of slightly greater diameter than the shaft with the result that the fork 31 together with the type wheels is free to tilt sidewise. as viewed'from the front (see Figure 3) the type wheel 21 is so angularly positioned that the type on the bottommost portion of its rim is in a printing position over the central portion of the top 22 of the Sheet supporting member. When the arm, as hereinafter described, is swung downwards such type is adapted to make an impression on the subjacent sheet. When the fork is tilted or rotated in the reverse direction the type wheel 21 is swung out of its operative or printing position and the type wheel 28 with the lower case type 34 is yswung or shifted into an operative or printing position. position the type on the lowermost portion of the rim 33 is disposed directly over the central When the fork is tilted clockwise' In the latter o portion of the top 22 of the sheet supporting memberl 8 and is adapted in response to downward swing of the arm 38 to make an impression on the subjacent sheet. When the type wheel 21 is disposed in its operative position the upper case type 3| thereon 'may be brought successively into a printing position over the subjacent sheet by rotation of the wheel. When it is desired to print with the upper case type the fork is shifted clockwise, as viewed from the front, and when it is desired to use the lower case type 38 on the I, type wheel 28 the fork 31 is tilted or rotated counter-clockwise)-` Tilting or swinging of the fork for type wheel shifting purposes is effected by means of a shift key 88. `This key is locatedy slightly inwards of the front end of one of the sides I8 of the housing 8 and comprises a vertically extending part 55 and a horizontal rearwardly extending part 58. 'I'he latter part is pivotally connected at its rear end so that the key is free to swing vertically'. The vertically extending part 55 of the key is mounted in close proximity to the down-turned ilange I8 along the front margin of the top I3 of the sheet supporting member 8 and embodies a fingerbutton or pad 81 at its upper end. 'I'he key is connected to tilt or rotate the fork 31 by way of a vertically I extending link 58, a bell crank 58, a link 80 and an arm 8I. The link 58 extends vertically and is pivotally connected atv its lower end to the central portion of the horizontal part 58 of the key 88. The bell crank 58 is pivotally connected at the central portion thereof to a bracket 82 on the rear part I9 of the hollow arm I8 and has one arm thereof connected pivotally to the upper end of the link v58. .The link 80 extends horizontally and is connected at one end thereof to the other arm of the bell crank. The other end of the link 88 is pivotally connected to the arm 8|. 'I'his arm, as shown in Figures l and 3, is connected to, and projects outwardly from, the central portion of the cross-piece 88 of theJfork 31. When the key 88 is depressed or swung downwards it so 4actuates the link 88, the bell crank 88, the link 88 and the arm 8i that' the fork 31 is tilted or rotated in a counter-clockwise direction and the type wheel 28 is thus brought into its operative or printing position. When the key 88 is raised, the fork 31 is tilted or rotated counterclockwise and the type wheel 21 with the upper case type '3I is thus brought into its operative or printing position. By manipulation of the key either type wheel may be brought into play, that is, into its operative position. Preferably, the key 88 is provided with means (not shown) whereby it may be locked in either of its shifted positions. Such means serves to lock` the fork and type wheels against rotation or tilting movement. The type wheel when in its operative or printing position is inked by means of an ink roll 83. This roll is positioned in an angular position above the type wheel 21 and is carried in suitable brackets 88 at the upper forward portion ofthe front part 28 of the hollow arm I8.

When the wheel 21 is in oits printing position the shown in Figure 1, the roll 83 has ink spreading rollers 88 associated therewith. 'I'hese rollers are disposed in parallel relation with the ink roll 83 and are carried by the brackets 88. When the type wheel 31 is in its uinoperative or non-printing position, the upper case type 3| are out of contact with the ink roll 83 and are hence subjected to no inking in response to rotation of the wheel. The lower case type 38 on the rim 33 of the type wheel 28 are inked by means of an ink roll 88. Ihe latter is mounted in such an angular position above the wheel-28 that when the latter is swung into its operative or printing position the type thereof is adapted in response to rotation of the wheel to come successively into contact with and receive ink from the outer periphery of the roll 88. Said roll 88 is carried by a bracket 81 in the forward upper portion of the front part 28 of the hollow arm.. and has ink spreading rollers 88. When the wheel is in its inoperative or non-printingl position, as shown in Figure 3, the type 38 are out of contact with the ink roll 88 and hence are not inked during rotation of the wheel 28. When the latter wheel is in its printing position the type are adapted, as hereinbefore described, to contact and receive -ink from the -roll in response to rotation of the wheel. The fork and type wheel carrying arm 38 are urged upwards by means of a tension spring 89 in order normally to hold the operative type wheel in engagement with its ink roll and above the subjacent sheet on the sheet supporting member 9. This spring extends vertically and is anchored at its upper end to an eye-bolt 10 on the top of the front part 28 of the hollow arm I8. 'I'he lower end of .the spring is attached to the central portion of the lower arm 38. After rotation of the operative type wheel so as to bring a selected or desired type directly over the subjacent sheet on the top of the member 9, the arm is adapted to be swung downwards in order to bring the selected type into contact with the sheet for impression purposes. Upon release of the arm after a printing operation the spring 61 returns the arm to its normal position wherein the operative type wheel is free for further rotation in connection with a type selecting operation.

The keys II are similarto typewriter keys and are positioned in side by side relation. They serve, as hereinafter described, to control the action of the operative type wheel and comprise vertically extending front parts 1I and horizontal lil rearwardly extending parts 12. The latter parts carried by a bracket structure 1I. The front ends of the horizontal parts 12 of the ykeys project beyond the ilange I8 along the front margin of the top I3 o! the sheet supporting member and are adapted normally to abut against'the bumper part of the stop bar I1. Tension springs 15 are connected to and extend between the central portions of the parts 12 of the keys and the central portion of the housing top I8 and serve to urge the keys' upwards into abutment with the bumper part of the stop bar I1. The vertically extending parts 1I of' the keys are arranged in banked formation over the front portion of the housing 8 and have buttons 18 at their upper ends. 'Ihese buttons have numbers and letters printed thereon corresponding to the type of the two wheels 21 and 28 and are adapted to receive the 'operators" fingers in connection with depression or downward movement of the keys. After depression of any one of the keys the tension spring 15 for such key returns the key to its normal position. The front ends of. the horizontal part 12 of the keys extend through vertically extending slots 11 in a substantially vertical plate 18 under the front margin of the housing top I3. This plate -is xedly secured to the front end of a horizontally extending frame 19 and has theslots 11 in its upper portion. Said slots correspond in number to the keys and accommodate lthe front ends of the parts 12 respectively. They vary in height, as shown in Figure 3, and limit downward swinging of the keys relatively to the plate 18. frame 19 is adapted to swing vertically and comprises a pair of side bars' 88 and a front bar 8|. The side bars are positioned adjacent to, and extend parallel with, the sides |4 of the housing 8, and are pivotally connected at their rear ends to a pair of brackets 82 on the housing back |5. The .front bar 8| extends between and is connected at its ends to the front ends of the side bars 88 of the frame 11 and is xedlysecured in any suitable manner to the bottom margin of the plate 18. The frame 19 normally extends horizontally and upward swinging movement of the frame is limited by means of a pair of stops 83, which, as shown in Figure 2, are secured to and project inwardly from the housing sides |4 and overlie the front ends of the side bars of the frame. The keys are adapted to be pressed individually downwards in connection with operation of the apparatus and embody on the central portions of the horizontal part 12 thereof downwardly extending lugs 84.

The mechanism for actuating the typev unit in response to downward movement of the keys includes means whereby during the initial downward movement of any one of the keys the operative type wheel is rotated to the proper extent to bring the type corresponding to the key letter or number into a printing position over the subjacent sheet on the sheet supporting member 9. and in addition means operative in response to further downward movement of the key to swing the arm and type unit downwards in order to cause the bottom or selected type on the operative wheel to make an impression on the sheet. The rst mentioned means comprises a pair of arms 85, a pair of vertically extending racks 86, a pair of pinions 81, a bevel gear 88, a bevel pinion 89, a bevel gear 98, and a pair of bevel pinions 9|. The arms 85 are located adjacent to the sides I4 of the housing and extend rearwardly and upwardly, as shown in Figure 1. The front ends of the arms are pivotally connected to a shaft 92 which extends horizontally across the central portion of the housing 8 and has its ends journaled in a pair of bearings 93 on the inner faces of the housing sides I4. The front ends of the arms are preferably keyed or otherwise xedly secured to the shaft 92 so that they swing vertically together. The central portions of the arms 85 are cross-connected by means of a rod 94. 'I'his rod underlies and is adapted to be engagedl by the depending lugs 81|v on the horizontal part 12 of the keys. When any one-of the keys |I is depressed the lug 84 on the horizontal part 12 thereof operates through the medium of the rod 94 to swing the arms 85 downwardly. The rear ends of the arms 85 are connected to the lower ends of the racks 86 by means of a U-shaped element 95, a pair of blocks 96, and a pair of springs 91. The element 95 extends horizontally and comprises a cross-piece 98, and a pair of side pieces 99. The side pieces extend upwardly and t slidably against the inner faces of the racks 86. The blocks 86 t and are vertically slidable in a pair of vertically extending guideways |88 in the lower ends vof the bearing brackets 44.

Ther

They'embody vertical ribs |8| on the inner faces thereof and are connected to the side pieces 99 of the U-shaped element 95 by way of screws |82. in the lowerv ends of the racks 86 and abut against the outer faces of the side pieces 99. The screws |82 extend through aligned holes in the side pieces and the ribs and serve rigidly to connect the blocks to the U-shaped element. The springs 91 are compression springs and extend vertically. The upper ends of these springs fit within sockets |84 in the lower ends of the blocks 98 and the lower ends of the springs abut against out-turned ears |85 on the lower ends of the racks. The racks are mounted for vertical sliding movement in grooves |86 in the inner faces of the bearing brackets 46 and are held in such grooves by means of plates |869. When any one of the keys is initially depressedin connection with a printing operation the racks 86 are caused to slide downwards simultaneously with downward swing of the arms 85. The rear ends of said arms bear against the end portions of the cross piece 98 of the U-shaped element 95, as shown in Figures 1.

and 2. The springs 91 normally hold the blocks 96 in the upper portions of the guideways |88. As a result of the connection between the arms 85 and the racks 86 the racks are caused to slide downwards in response to the initial part of the downward movement of any of the keys. 'I'he pinions 81 are disposed adjacent to the upper ends of the bearing brackets 44 and are xed to the ends of the shaft 43. They mesh with and are driven by the racks 86 and operate to rotate the shaft 43 in one direction in response to upward movement or shift of the racks and to rotate the The ribs |8| fit within vertical slots |83 shaft 83 in the reverse direction in response to' lowering of the racks. The bevel gear 88 is xedly secured to the central portion of the shaft'43 and is disposed between the side pieces 4| of the fork 39, as shown in Figure 2. The bevel pinion 89 meshes with and is driven by the bevel gear and is xedly secured to the rear end of the shaft 81. The bevel gear 98 is fixed tothe frontend of the shaft 41 and is disposed adjacent to the central portion of the shaft between the type wheels 21 and 28. The bevel pinions 9| are rotatably mounted on the ends of the shaft 35 and mesh with, and are driven by, the bevel gear .98. They are positioned in opposed relation, as shown in Figure 3, and are fixedly secured to the hubs of the two type wheels. When any one of the keys is initially depressed the arms 85 are swung downwards and operate through the medium of the U-shaped element 95, the blocks 96, and the springs 91, to shift downwards thek racks 88. During downward shift of the racks the pinions 81 operate to rotate the shaft 43 and the latter, inturn, operates torotate the bevel gear 88. Rotation of this gear operates to turn or drive the shaft 41 and causes rotation of the type wheels 21 and 28. The amount of rotation of th"4 type wheels is determined by the extent of the do Nnward strokes of the keys relatively to the plat'` 18. 'Ihe slots 11 vary in length, as heretofore described, and hence the downward strokes of the keys relatively to the plate vary. Each slot is so formed, as far as length is concerned, that when the key which is associated therewith is depressed to its fullest extent in thelslot, the type wheels are rotated the proper distance to bring into its printingy position over the subjacent sheet the type which corresponds to the letter or number on the button of the key. By having the slots vary in length, the type wheels are differentially rotated in response to depression of the various keys and the proper type for the associated key is brought into its printing position over the top of the sheet supporting member at the end of the down-stroke of the key relatively to the plate 18. When the keys are swung upwardly in response to the action of the springs 15, the type wheels are reversely rotated back to their starting position. Such position is reached by the wheels as soon as the horizontal parts 12 of the keys come into abutment with the bumper part of the stop bar I1. The gearing is preferably such that each type wheel makes more than a complete turn or revolution in connection with selection of any type. As a result of this, proper inking of the type wheels is assured. The .arms 85, the racks I8, the pinions 81,- the bevel gear 88, the pinion 89, the bevel gear'90 and the bevel pinions 9| constitute simple means whereby during the initial downward movement of any of the keys the type wheelsare rotated to the proper extent to bringv the type corresponding to the letter or number of the key into its printing position over the 'sheet to be printed.- The two type wheels are adapted due to the gearing arrangement vto rotate in opposite directions and therefore the uppercase type 3| extend around the wheel 21 in one direction and the lower case type .34 extend around the wheel 28 in the opposite direction.

Both sets of typel are, however, so arranged that when any one of the keys is depressed the corresponding upper and lower case type pieces are brought into a printing position. When the wheel 21 is in its operating or printing position the keys when depressed will make an upper case .impression on the sheet to be printed and when is mounted on, and keyed or otherwise flxedly secured to the shaft 41. It is disposed between the front end of the arm 38 and the cross piece 48 of the fork 31 and hasv an annular series of radially i tf.)

extending slots in itsouter margin. The solenoid |08 is mounted on a bracket |.|2 immediate'- ly behind the slotted disk |01. As shown in Figure 1, the bracket is fixedly secured to and extends upwardly from the front end of the vertically swinging arm 38. Current is supplied to l the solenoid by means of a pair of conductors ||3 and ||4. 'Ihese conductors lead from a suitable source 'of current to the ends of the coil which constitutes the solenoid. The armature |08 is slidably mountedl within the solenoid and embodies a pointed or wedge-shaped front end. When the solenoid 'is energized the armature is adapted .to move forwards into contact with the `outer margin of the disk |01. Asuitably anchored tension spring I serves to retract the armature whenthe circuit for the solenoid is. broken. The armature is aligned with the slotsand is adapted whenshifted forwardly in response to action ofthe solenoid to have its pointed end enter. the contiguous or aligned slot. When the pointed end of the armature is in one of the slots.

||| the disk together with the shaft 41 and the type wheels is locked against rotation. The

switches ||0 are mounted on the plates 18 at the front end of the flange 19. They correspond in number to, and are disposed respectively at thev bottom of, the slots 11in the upper portion of the plates 18 and are included in one of the conductors for` the solenoid'in such manner that when any one of them is closed the circuit for the solenoid is completed and the solenoid is thus energized. As shown in Figure 1, the switches ||0 comprise iixed lower contacts ||5 and movable upper contacts I|1. The lower contacts are fixed to and project forwardly from a bar ||8 of insulating material on the front. face of the plate 18 and the movable contacts ||1 overlie the lower contacts and are aligned with the lower ends of the slots 11. Said movable contacts are also carried by the bar ||8 and are adapted to be urged downwardly into contact with the lower contacts by the horizontal parts 12 of the keys as soon as such parts reach the bottom of the slots 11 in connection with the initial downward movement of the keys in connection with printing operations. When any one of the keys is depressed or shifted downwards to bring the desired type into printing position over the sheet supporting member 9, the switch for such key is closed as soon as the horizontal part ofthe key reaches the end of the key slot in the plate 18. Upon closing of the switch the armature |09 moves forwards* lin response to the action vof the solenoid and enters they contiguous slot in the disk |01. As long as the switch remains closed the armature remains in interlocked relation with the disk and thus holds the type wheels against rotation. The slots correspond in number to the type on each type wheel and are so arranged that one slot is aligned with the armature when any single type is in its printing position, that is, directly over the central portion of the bottom of the sheet supporting member 9. Forward shift of the armature takes place immediately upon closing of any one of the switches ||0 with the result VthatV as soon as any of the keys is shifted downwards the proper distance to bring into its printing position the associated typeon the operative type wheel, the wheel is instantaneously locked against rotation. The disk |01, the solenoid |08, the armature |09 and the switches ||0 constitute simple electrical means for automatically locking the type wheels of the type unit |0 in place after rotation thereof to the proper printing position as the result of key manipulation.

The means for swinging downwards the arm 38 and the type unit for impression making purposes in response to a further downward movement of any one of the keys includes the frame 19 and in addition a pair of links ||9. These links extend vertically, as shown in Figure 1, and are pivotally connected to a cross-rod |20 by way of a -sleeve |2I. is iixedly secured at its ends to the side bars 80 of the frame 19 at a pointapproximately onethird of the distance from the frontbar 8| of the frame. The sleeve |2| is rotatably mounted on the central portion of the rod |20 and extends between. and is formed integrally withvthe lower ends of the links I I9. The upper ends of the links are pivotally connected to a pair of trunnions |22 which are connected to, and project outwardly in opposite directions from, the rear end of the arm 38. When any one of the keys is depressed the operative type wheel is rotated to its proper position during the initial portion of the downward stroke of such key. In response to further The cross-rod extends between and i downward movement of such key the frame 19 is swung downwards and operates through the medium of the links H9 to swing the arm 39 downwards and to bring the type at the bottommost portion of the operative type wheel against the sheet to be printed on the sheet supporting member 9. After locking of the disk |01 in response to forward movement of the armature |09 further downward movement of the keys I I in connection with downward swinging of the arm 38 for printing purposes is permitted by the springs 91. As heretofore pointed out during the initial movement of any one of the keys the racks are shifted downwards conjointly with the arms 85. As soon as the depressed key contacts with its switch ||0 and thus effects locking of the arm 38 and the type wheels the racks are held against further downward shift. In response to the latter part of the depression of the selected key the springs 91 compress and thus permit of downward swinging movement of the arms 85 relatively to the racks. When a key, after depression or downward movement thereof, is released at the end of the printing operation the spring 69 serves to retract or swing upwardly into its normal position the frame 19. The pivotal connection between the link 60 and the arm 6I is sufficiently loose so that during downward swing of the arm 38 in connection with a printing operation there is no tendency for the type wheels to tilt sidewise.

The sheet retainingbar I2 rests on and/extends transverselyacross'the top 22 of the sheet supporting member 9. It is disposed in parallel relation with the front 25 of said member and consists of a flat metal strip |23 and an upstanding rib |24. As hereinafter described, the bar is shiftable laterally, that is, to and from the front u be printed is inserted between the strip |23 and the clips the sheet is held in fixed relation with the bar I2 and is movable or shiftable with the latter. The clips |25 have upturned front or distal ends in order to permit the ready entry of the rear margin of the sheet to be printed between the clips and the subjacent lor front margin of the strip |23. The rib |24 is suitably secured to the central portion of the strip |23 and extends from one end of the strip to the other. The sheet retaining bar I2 is carried for transverse and longitudinal sliding movement by an elongated guide member |26. This member consists of a at metallic bottom strip |21, a short top channel strip |28, and suitable filler strips (not shown). The bottom strip |21 of-the guide member underlies the strip |23 of the sheet retaining bar I2. It is approximately one-half again as wide as the strip, as shown in Figure 5, and is arranged so that its front edge is ush with the front edge of the strip |23 and its rear marginal edge projects rearwards of the rear edge of saidstrip |23. The channel strip |28 is suitably secured to the bottom strip |21 and is arranged so that one front flange rests on the strip |21 and its rear edge is in hooked relation with the rib |24. The ller strips are located within the end portions of the channel strip |28 and fit member and is conjointly movable with said member to and from the front of the sheet supporting member 9. When the sheet retaining bar I2 is shifted transversely as the result of forward or rearward shift of the guide member |26 the sheet to be printed, that is,` the sheet which is retained by the clips |25 of the bar I2 against the strip |23 is shifted forwards or rearwards over the top of the member 9. When the bar I2 is slid lengthwise the sheet is moved conjointly therewith in a sideways direction. Transverse shift of the sheet retaining bar I2 serves to move the sheet to be printed for line spacing purposes. The mechanism for so shifting the bar comprises a cross-shaft |29, a pair of pinions |30 and a pair of angle type rack bars |3I. The cross-shaft is disposed beneath the top 22 of the sheet supporting vmember 9 and is suitably journaled for rotation. One end of the shaft projects through a hole in one of the sides 23 of the memf bars I3I. The latter are disposed inwardly of and f extend parallel to the sides 23 of the member 9 and are connected at their rear ends to the ends of the guide member |26 by way of suitable slide pieces (not shown) which fit within and slide in a pair of parallel slots |33 in the side portions of the top 22 of the member 9. When the knurled Wheel |32 is rotated in one direction the pinions |30 shift the rack bars |3| so as to cause the guide member |26 and the sheet retaining bar I2 to shift rearwardly over the top 22. When the wheel |32 is reversely rotated the pinions and rack bars operate to shift the guide member |26 and the sheet retaining bar I2 toward the front of the member 9. From the foregoing it is manifest that by turning the wheel |32 in one direction or the other the sheet to be printed may be shifted to and from the front of the member 9 and thus brought into the proper or desired position for printing. After aline of' printing has been formed or made on the sheet, the sheet by operation of the aforementioned mechanism comprising the cross-shaft |29, the pinions |30, and the rack bars |3| may be shifted rearwards in order to bring another portion of the sheet into position for printing.

The sheet to be printed isv adapted prior to each impression, that is, each printing operation, to'be shifted toward the left hand side of the apparatus. Such shift is effected by sliding the sheet'retaining bar I2 longitudinally relatively to the guide member |26. As hereinbefore pointed out, the apparatus includes mechanism for automatically shifting or sliding the bar vlongitudinally before each printing operation forl sheet feeding purposes. This mechanism is actuated by the armature |09, effects a step by step feeding of the sheet in connectionwith successive impressions on the sheet, and comprises a bell crank |34, a link |35, a crank arm |36, av rock' shaft |31, a. crank |38, and a one-wayclutch |39. The

bell crank |34 is pivotally connected to a bracket |43 on the central portion ofthe arm 33 so that v lation with respect to the subjacent portion of the arm 3|?. The link |35 extends vertically and is positioned at one side of the arm 33. The upper end of thelink extends loosely through a vertically extending hole or socket |4| in the outer or distal end of the horizontally extending arm of the bell crank |34 and is provided with an upper stop collar |42, and a lower stop collar |43.

These two collars straddle the outer end of the horizontally extending arm of the bell crankv |34 and cause the link |35 to move vertically in response to swinging of the aforesaid bell crank. The lower end ofthe link |35 is disposed behind the back 24 ofthe sheet supporting member 3 and is pivotally connected to one end of the crankarm |36. The otherend of the crank arm is in the form of a hub which is mounted on and secured to the rear end of the rock shaft |31. The latter is disposed under the top 22 ofthe member and is journaled at its ends in suitable bearings on the inner faces of the back and front of -the member 3. The rock shaft is square in cross section and through the medium of the link |35 and the crank arm |36 is rocked in response to swinging of the bell crank. The crank 33 pro- .jects upwards from the rock shaft and is connected to the clutch |33 by a pin and slot connectlon |44. The inner or lower end of the crank has an enlarged hub |45 with 'a square opening |46 therein through which the rock shaft extends. By reason of the fact that this opening is square the crank is free to slide longitudinally of the rock shaft and at the same time is connected to the shaft so as to swingl or rock therewith. 'Ihe clutch |33 comprises a clutch dog |41, and a two lpiece housing for the dog. The housing consists of an inner stamped metal piece |43 and an outer stamped metal 'piece |43, and -is positioned above the rock shaft |31. The two housing pieces are suitable secured together in lapped relation and have vertically extending wedge-shaped notches |50 therein in which the 'clutch dog fits. The upper portion of the clutch housing fits in a slot |5| in the central portion of the rea-r margin of the bottom strip |21 of the guide member |26 and is carried or suspended vfor longitudinal sliding movement on the rear margin of the strip 22 of the sheet retaining bar I2 by means of a pair of upper ears |52 and a pair of lower ears |53. The upper ears are formed .integrally with and extend forwardly from the upper marginof the outer piece |43. of the clutch housing and fit against and rest on the top face of the rear margin of the strip |23. The lower. ears |53 are spaced beneath the upper ears and are formed integrally with the upper margin of `the innerpiece |43 of the clutch housing. They project inwardly from the housing piece |43 and iit against the bottom face of the rear margin of the. strip |23. The ears |52 and |53 constitute a connection wherebv the clutch housing is suspended from the card retaining bar l|2 and is connected to the latter so that it is free to slide longitudinally thereof.` The pin and slot con;- nection |44 between the crank |33 and the clutch v consists' of a horizontally 'extendingl pin |54 on the upper or vdistal end of the. crank and a vertically extending pin receiving slot; |55 in the'housing of the clutch; This-'pin and-slotfconnection so .connects the crank and the clutch housing that shaft |31. The crank |33 is so arranged that" it operates to rock the rock shaft |31 in a clock# wise manner (as -"viewed from the front of the apparatus) when the link' |33 is' moved down? Wards and in a counter-clockwise ldirection (as also viewed from the front of the apparatus) when the link is moved upwards. As a result of this the clutch is shifted to the right (as viewed in Figure 3) during downward movement of the link and is shifted to the left '(as also viewed in Figure 3) when the link |33 is raised. The clutch dog |41 is positioned in an upstanding manner in the wedge-shaped notches- |53 in the housing pieces and hasa bifurcated lower end |56 which straddles the portions of the housing pieces which dene the lower or pointed ends of the notches |50. The central portion of the clutch dog embodies a horizontally extending notch K |51 through which the front margin of the strip` |23 extends. The right hand portions of the wedge-shaped notches |50, as .viewed from the front, are inclined or angled to the'right and the left hand portions of the notches extend vertically. As a result of this notch design vor arrangement the clutch dog is free to swing from a substantially vertical' position wherein it is in unclutched relation with the rear margin of the strip 4|23 into a tilted position wherein it is in clutched relation with said rear margin of the strip |23 as the result of the gripping action of the edges of the notch 51 on the strip |23. A U-shaped spring |53 is attached 'to -a forwardly extending lug |59 on the outer piece |43 ofthe clutch housing and operates to urge the clutch dog into its clutched position. When the clutch dog is in its clutched position. that is. in clutched relation with the front margin of the strip |23 of the sheet retaining bar |2 and the'ciutch is shifted to theleft, as viewed from the front of the apparatus, the bar |2 together with the sheet which is attached thereto is slid or fed lengthwise to the left.

`When the clutch is shifted tothe right in connection with downward movement of thelink |35 the clutch dogswingsupwards into'its unclutched po-l sition and releases the strip |23 'of fthesheet retaining bar iz with the result tnatgtne, clutch slides relatively to ,thebar and does not vdisplace the latter. The sheet retainingvb'arjn 'together with the sheet which is retained thereby is shifted to Athe left, as vievved'frorn'the` front (see Fig-` ure 3), on the upstroke of the link |35 and to the right yon the down-stroke of said link. As a result of the action and varrangement and design offthe clutch |32 the sheet retaining bar |2 is shifted to the left for sheet feeding purposes on the upstroke of the link |36. During downward` shift of said link the clutch slides to .the right into a retracted position wherein it is again operative to shift the bar for sheet .feeding purposes upon the next upward stroke of the link |36.` From the aforegoing it is manifest that when the armature |33 is moved forwards in conl nection with a printing operation the clutch is slid to the left and as a result of being in clutched re- YI2. The upper end` of the clutch dog |41v of the clutch extends upwards through a longitudinal slot in the central or web portion of the top channel piece |28 of the guide member |26 and forms a handle wherebythe dog may be manually shifted into its unclutched position when it is desired'to free the sheet retaining bar |2 so that it together with the sheet may be shifted to the right for card adjusting or positioning purposes. The sides of the upper or handle forming ends of the clutch dog engage the sides of the slot |60 and hence the clutch |39 is connected to the guide.

member |26 so that it is shiftable bodily to and fromvthe front of the base 2| with the guide member and card retaining bar. In order to cause the crank |38 to move with the clutch |39 when the guide member |26 and the bar i2 are shifted to-and from the front 25 of the member 9 by manipulation of the knurled wheel |32 in connection with adjustment of the sheet to be printed, a bracket IBI is provided. This bracket is xed to the bottom face of the bottom strip |21 of the guide member |26, extends downwardsaround the rock shaft |31 and is provided at its lower end with an upstanding fork |62 which fits within an annular groove |63 in the central portion of the hub |45 of the crank |38. Because of the construction of .this bracket the crank |38 is caused to slide on the rock shaftA |31 and maintain its operative relation with the clutch when the guide member and sheet retaining bar are shifted, as hereinbefore pointed out. A slot |64 in the central portion of the top of the member 9 permits the clutch |39 to move to and from the front 25 of the member in connection with transverse adjustment of the guide member and sheet retaining bar. This slot |64 is of uniform width from end to end and extends rearwards from the central portion of the top 22 of the member 9.

The length or amount of feed of the sheet retaining bar i2 in response to the action of the one-way clutch |39y at the beginning of each printing operation depends upon the length of the stroke of the armature |09. When the forward stroke of the armature is a long one the feed stroke of the sheet retaining bar is a long one. When the forward stroke of the armature is short then the feed stroke of the bar I2 is correspondingly short. In order adjustably to regulate or control the length of the strokes of the armature so that such stroke is in proportion to the varying type widths the slots in the disk |01 on the shaft 41 are of varying length. When the armature |09 is moved forwards during the initial downward movement of any one of the keys|| the wedge-shaped or pointed end thereof projects into the adjacent slot as previously pointed out.

Each slot is proportionately equal in width to the type character of the type with-which it is associated wtih the result that the slots which are associated with comparatively wide type letters or characters, such as those forming the letters W and M are comparatively long and the'slots which are associated with the small type letters, such as those forming the letters I and L are comparatively short. When the armature moves forwards into a long slot |V it travels farther than when it is shifted forwardly into a short slot and as a result it has a greater forward stroke andthe sheet retaining element I2 together with the sheet is fed laterally a greater distance. By forming the slots so that the lengththereof is inproportion to the type with which they are associated lateral feed of the sheet retaining bar is controlled so that during normal or regular operation of the apparatus the impressions are spaced properly or equidistantly apart. The stop collars |42 and |43 on the upper end of the link |35 are spaced a sufficient distance apart so that there is a slight lost motion connection between the horizontal arm of the bell crank |34 and the link. This lost motion connection permits downward swinging movement of the arm 38 and the type wheels during the latter part of the downstroke of any one ofthe keys. The spring ||5 for retracting the armature |09 after opening of the circuit for the solenoid is anchored to an upwardly extending lug |65 on the central portion of the arm 38 'and is attached to the arm of the bell crank |34 which is pivotally connected Vto the rear end of the armature.

The operation ofthe apparatus is as follows: When it is desired to print a sheet and form it into a sign or placard for advertising or other purposes, the sheet is first placed on the top 22 of the sheet supporting member 9. It is then shifted or manipulated so as to bring the rear longitudinal adjustment of the sheet is desired,l

that is, adjustment to or from the front 25 of the member .9, the knurled wheel |32 is turned.

v If lateral adjustment of the sheet is necessary or desired, the one Way clutch |39 is rst released by swinging the clutch dog |41 into its vertical or inoperative position and the sheet retaining bar i2 is shifted longitudinally in the desired direction. When it is desired to print a letter or character on the sheet the key for the desired letter or character is depressed. During the initial portion of the downward stroke of the selected key the operative type wheel is rotated, as hereinbefore pointed out. As soon as the horizontal rearwardly vextending part 12 of the selected key reaches the end of the slot 11 in the plate 18 the switch I0 for the key is closed. This results in closing of the circuit for the solenoid |08 and causes forward movement the armature |09 into the aligned slot in the disk |01. During forward ,movement of the armature the bell crank |34 is swung upwardly and operates through the medium of the upper stop collar |42 to raise the link |35. Such movement of the link operates through the medium of the' crank arm |36, the rock vshaft |31, the crank |38 and the one-way clutch |39 to advance or Afeed the sheet retaining bar i2 and the sheet a distance corresponding to the selected type. When after arrest of the part 12 of the selected key by engagement thereof with the bottom of the. slot 11 for such key further downward movement of the selected keyswings the frame 19 downwards and causes downward swinging of the arm 38 and the type wheels.' As soon as the operative type wheel is brought into engagement with the subjacent sheet; the selected type on.th`e bottom of the wheel makes an impression on the sheet.

When the selected key is released after the print'- ing operation the spring 69 swings AAupwardly the arm 38 and the frame 19.V As soon as the horizontal part of the selected key moves out of contact with the switch ||0 for the key the flow of' current to the solenoid ceases and the spring ||5 operatesto retract the armature |09. During` rearward'movement ofthe armature the bell` crank |34 is caused to'swing downwards and 75 operates through the medium ofthe lower stop collar |33 to move downwardly the link |36. Such movement of the link operates, as hereinbefore described, to retract or shift to the right the one-way clutch. By manipulating or depressing diierent keys Il any desired printing may be made on the siieet on the top of the member 9. After completion of a line of impressions on the sheet the sheet may, if desired, be shifted rearwardly and another line of impressions made. Inking of the type on the operative wheel is effected during rotation of the wheel in connection with selection of a type.l

' 'I'he hereindescribed printing apparatus due to the specific arrangement of the parts thereof occupies but a small amount'of space. Due to its simplicity it maybe manufactured at a 15W and reasonablecost and in addition operates in an emcient manner.`

The invention is not to beunderstood as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a printing apparatus ofthe character' described, the combination of a frame structure sociated therewith, an arm positioned adjacent to the member and carried by the structure so as to move to and from the member only, a type unit' in order to cause thel associated type character to make an impression', and means controlled by the keys and including movable operating parts mounted on the arm for feeding the sheet' supporting member laterally and relatively to Athe arm at .the end of the initial downward movement of any one of the keys.

2. In a printing apparatus of the. character described, the combination of a frame structure sociated therewith, anarm positioned adjacent to the member and carried by the structure to swing to and from said member, a type unit carried by the distal end of the arm and having a set of movable type characters adapted to be selectively moved linto a. printing position with respect to the member, keys for the type characters respectively, supported on the structure for individual vertical movement, mechanism operative in response to initial downward movement of any one of the keys to move the type character associated with such one key into its printt ing position and further operative in response to further downward movement of the one key to swing the arm towards the member in order to cause the associated type characterto make an impression, and means controlled by the keys and including parts mounted on the arm for sleeding the sheet supporting member laterally having a movable sheet supporting member asone key to move the arm towards the member having a movable sheet supporting member as' and relatively to the arm at the end of the initial downward movement of any one of the keys.

3. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a frame structure having a. movable sheet supporting member associated therewith, an arm positioned adjacent to the member and carried bythe structure so as to into its printing position and further operative in response to further downward movement of the one key to move the arm towards the member in order to causethe associated type character to make an impression, and means controlled by the keys and including parts mounted on the arm for feeding the sheet supporting member laterally and relatively to said arm at the end of the initial downward movement of any one yor the keys.

4. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a frame structure .having a movable sheet supporting member associated therewith, an arm positioned in overhanging relation with the member and carried by the structure to swing to and from said member, a rotary type wheel carried by the distal end of the arm and having a set oi' type characters on the rim thereof adapted in response to rotation of the wheel to be selectively rotated into a printing position with respect to the member, keys for the type characters respectively positioned in front of the member and supported by the structure forindividual vertical movement,

. mechanism operative in response to initial'down- Ward movement of any one of the keys to rotate the type wheel so Ias to bring the type character associatedwith the one key into its printing position andiurther operative in response to further downward movement of the one key to swing the arm downwardly toward the member in order to cause the associated type character to make an impression, and means controlled by the Ykeys and including parts mounted on the arm for 1 feeding the sheet supporting member laterally and relatively to saidarm at the end of the initial downward movement of any one of the keys.

5. In a' printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a frame structure having a movable sheet supporting member associated therewith, an-arm positioned adjacent to the member and carried by the structure to move to and from said member only, a type unit carried by the arm for movement therewith and having a set of movable type characters adapted to be selectively moved into a printing position with respect to the member, a set of keys for the type characters respectively supported on the structure for individual vertical movement` f mechanism operative in?response to initial vmovement of any one of the keys to move the type character associated with such one key into its printing position and further operative in response to further movement lof the one key to move the arm towards the member inl order to cause the associated type character to makefan impression, and means controlled by the keys and including parts mounted on the arm for feeding the sheet supporting member laterally and relatively to said arm at the end of the initial downward movement of any one of the keys and at the same time locking the selected type character in its printing position.

6. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a sheet supporting member, an arm positioned adjacent to the member and mounted to move to and from the latter, a type unit carried by the arm for movement therewith and having a set of movable type characters adapted to be selectively moved into a` printing position with respect to the member,

a set of keys for the type characters respectively, mechanism operative in response to initial movement of any one of the keys to move the type character associated with such one key into its printing position and further operative in` response to further movement of the one key to move the arm towards the member in order to cause the associated type character to make an impression, and electrical means for automatically feeding the sheet supporting member laterally and relatively to the arm at the end of the initial downward movement of any one of the keys and atfthe same time locking the selected type char- .acter in its printing position, including a set of switches corresponding in number to and associated respectively with the keys and arranged so as to be controlled by the keys at the end of the initial downward movement thereof.

'7. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a movable sheet supporting member, an arm positioned. in overhanging relation with the member and mounted to swing to and from the latter, a type unit carried by the distal end of the arm and having a set of movable type characters adapted to be selectively moved into a printing position with respect to the member, a set of vertically movable keys associated with the type characters respectively and .positioned in front of the member, mechanism operative in response to initial downward movement of anyone of the keys to move the type character associated with such one key into'its printing position and further operative in response to further downward movement of the one key to swing the arm downwardly toward the member in order to cause the associated type characterto make an impression and electrical means controlled by the keys at the end ofutheir initial downward movement and including a solenoid and armature mounted on the arm, for automatically feeding the sheet supporting member .laterally and relatively to the arm and at the same time locking the selected type 'characters in their .printing position.

8. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a sheet supporting member, an arm positioned adjacent to the member and mounted to move to and from the latter, a rotary type wheel carried by the arm for movement therewith and having a set of type characters on its rim adapted in response to rotation of the wheel to be selectively brought into 'a printing position with respect to the member, a set of vertically movable keysassociated with the type characters respectively, mechanism including a 'rotatable shaft on the arm, operative in responseV to initial downward movement of any one of the keys to rotate the'wheel in order to bringthe type characters.` associated therewith into its printing position and further operative in response to further downward movement of the one key to move the arm towards the member in order to cause the associatedtype character to make an impression, and means for automatical- -ly locking the type wheel in place after rotation thereof in response to initial movement of any one of the keys, comprising a disk iixedly4 secured to and rotatable with said shaft and having an annular series of slots in the margin thereof and an element mounted on said arm to slide into and out of the slots. A

9. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a frame structure having a movable sheet supporting member associated therewith, an arm positioned adjacent to the member and carried by the structure soas to moveto and from said-member only, a rotary *type wheel carried by the arm for movement therewith and having'a set of type characters on its rim adapted in response to vrotation of the wheel to be selectively brought into a printing position with respect to the member, a set of keys associated with the type characters respectively and supported on the frame structure for individual vertical movement, mechanism operative in response to initial downward movement of any one of the keys to rotate the wheel in order to bring the type character associated therewith into its printing position and further operativeand armature mounted on the arm and a set of' solenoid controlling switches corresponding in number to, and associated respectively with, the keys and arranged so that they are controlled by the keys at the end of their initial rdownward movement.

10. In-a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a frame structure having a movable sheet supporting-member as-v sociated therewith, an Iarm positioned adjacent 'to the member and carried by the structure so 'as 'to move to and from said member only, a rotary type wheel carried by the varm for movement 'therewith and having a set of type characters on its rim, adapted in response to rotation of the position with respect to the member, a set of keys associated with the type characters respectively and supported on the supporting structure for individual vertical movement, mechanism operative in response to initial downward movement 'of any one of the keys to rotate the type wheell wheel to be selectively brought into a printing,

-so as to' bring the type character associated with the one keyl into its printing position and further operative in response'to further downward movement of the one key to move the arm towards the member in order to cause the associated type characterv to make an impression on the sheet including a rotatable shaft on the arm means controlled by the keys for feeding the sheet laterally and relatively to the arm in connection with each impression, and means for automatically locking the type wheel in place after rotation by' any one of the keys in connection with movement of a t'ype character into a printing position comprising a disk xedly secured to the shaft and having an annular series of slots in the margin thereof, a solenoid mounted on the armfan armature slidably mounted with respect to the solenoid and adapted when the solenoid is enersizedl to movev into one of the slots in the disk, and a set of solenoid controlling switches correspending in number to and associated respec- `tively with the keys and arranged to be closed by the keys at the end of their initial downward movement.

11. In a printing apparatus of the character described, the combination of a sheet supporting member, a type unit positionedI adjacent to the member and having a set of movable type characters of various widths adapted to be selectively moved into a printing position with respect to the member, a set of keys associated with the type characters respectively and adapted when depressed to cause the characters to make impressions, and electrical mechanism operative automatically in connection with the making of an impression by depression of anyl one of the keys to feed the sheet laterally a distance in proportion to the width of the type character for the depressed key. y

12. In a printing apparatus, the combination of means including a longitudinally slidable bar Kor retaining a sheet to be printed, type charac 'ters adapted to be selectively moved into a printlng position, a set of keys associated with the type characters respectively and adapted when depressed to cause the characters to make impressions, and mechanism for automatically feeding the bar step by step with respect to the type characters in connection with successive impressions comprising a one-way clutch applied directly to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to grip the bar and move it and the sheet and when moved into the opposite direc- Ation to release the bar and move' into a retracted position, a solenoid having a circuittherefor and adapted when energized to move the clutch in one direction and a set of solenoid circuit controlled switches corresponding in number-to, and associated respectively with, the keys and arranged to be closed by the keys in response to movement thereof.

13. In a printing apparatus, the combination of means including a longitudinally slidable bar for retaining a sheet to be printed, type characters adapted to be selectively moved into a printing position, a set of keys associated with the type characters respectively and adapted when depressed to cause the characters to make impressions, and mechanism for automatically 'feeding the bar step by step with respect to the type characters in connection with successive impressions thereon comprising av one-Way clutch in the form of a laterally movable clutch dog with a notch therein through which the bar extends, and adapted whenv moved in one direc- 'tion to grip and move the bar and when moved into the opposite direction to release the bar and slide relatively thereto into a retracted position, Iand a key controlled solenoid having a circuit therefor and adapted when energized to move the clutch in said one direction, and spring means ll'or moving the clutch into its retracted position MILTON REYNOLDS. HAROLD G. BARRETT. 

